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No Child Left Behind Act Of 2001

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002—popularly known as NCLB—mandates increased accountability for school performance, gives states and communities freedom in the use of Title I funding, targets federal funds to scientifically proven education programs and methods, and provides options to parents when schools do not meet standards. Since NCLB's inception, several RAND projects and reports have made unique and valuable contributions to the education policy debate.

Research conducted by: RAND Education

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No Child Left Behind: Ten Years Later

Laura Hamilton discusses what has been learned in the ten years since the No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law in January 2002, including recommendations for addressing key limitations as Congress considers reauthorization.

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News Releases (6)

Congress Should Expand School Performance Measures Beyond Those Found in 'No Child Left Behind' — Apr 26, 2011

Expanding measures of school performance beyond mathematics and English language arts will give educators better information when evaluating the academic achievements of schools.

News Release

Major Revisions in No Child Left Behind Law Recommended — Apr 26, 2010

Congress and the Obama administration should use the upcoming reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 to promote more consistent and rigorous academic standards across states, as well as more consistent and relevant teacher qualification requirements.

News Release

Miscommunication Hindered Student Participation in Choice Programs Created by No Child Left Behind Act — Apr 4, 2008

Student participation in school choice programs authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act was hindered because parents did not receive clear and timely communication from schools.

News Release

Study Finds That 'No Child Left Behind' Accountability Systems Are Largely in Place, But Act's Promises Remain Uncertain — Nov 19, 2007

After five years of effort, states have implemented most of the test-based accountability requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, and now must focus their efforts on improving poor-performing schools that have been identified.

News Release

Study Finds Students in Underperforming Schools Benefit from Supplemental Educational Services Under No Child Left Behind — Jun 27, 2007

Students in underperforming schools generally made statistically significant gains in math and reading after participating in supplemental educational services such as tutoring and remediation, according to a study conducted by the RAND Corporation for the U.S. Department of Education.